Bill on Nazi symbols

On March 13, 2009, a member of the Federation Council, Rustem Shiyanov, submitted to the State Duma a draft law "On Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation." Shiyanov proposes to replace administrative liability for the public display of Nazi symbols with criminal liability.

Shiyanov proposes to introduce into the Criminal Code article 213.1 (propaganda, public demonstration, image or wearing, manufacturing, sale or purchase of Nazi paraphernalia or symbols), which provides for punishment up to real terms, as well as article 293.1 (non-performance or improper performance by an official of his duties).

Note that the feasibility of such changes is highly questionable. Already available in the Code of Administrative Offenses, Art. 20.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (propaganda and public demonstration of Nazi paraphernalia or symbols) is often used illegally. Recall that similar cases have recently taken place in Novorossiysk , Volgograd , Samara . In addition, in our opinion, the gravity of the crime is not such as to establish criminal liability for it.

Sources

• Displaying a swastika could lead to jail time // Newspaper. 2009. March 16.
• Draft Law "On Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses" // Bill card. Official site of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.